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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte imposed a new general closure for a period of five weeks across the country, indicating that schools, museums and gyms will close from midnight today until January 19.
As Rutte spoke from his office in The Hague, a group of protesters held a sit-in in front of his office to refuse to close.
“The truth is that this is not an innocent flu as some think, like the protesters outside … This virus can infect everyone,” Rutte said in a televised address to the nation.
Rutte added: “As a cabinet, we are aware of the severity of the measures we are taking today, especially with the arrival of Christmas.”
Starting Tuesday, all non-essential shops, such as hair salons, museums and theaters, will be closed until January 19, and all schools and universities will have to switch to distance learning starting Wednesday.
Daycare centers will be closed to everyone except the children of key workers.
The government also urged people to host a maximum of two guests over the age of 13 per day, but relaxed this rule from December 24-26, saying three people can generally visit on those holidays.
Source: “Market Watch”
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